Premier League manager opens up about future amid Barcelona rumours: “I will speak to the owner”

The managerial post at Barcelona may well be one of the world’s most high-pressure and least gratifying jobs. Some of the sports greats including Ronald Koeman, Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and now Xavi have come out to speak on how ruthless the position is.

With the current manager, Xavi, announcing his decision to step down at the end of the season, the Catalan administration are burning the midnight oil to find an amicable replacement.

Hansi Flick, Jurgen Klopp and Xabi Alonso are all among the options being considered, but Roberto De Zerbi appears to have taken over as the primary candidate in recent days.

Amidst rumours of his possible appointment as Barcelona’s next manager, the Brighton and Hove Albion manager spoke to 90min earlier this week where he addressed his possible change of scenery in the summer.

“When I hear that big teams are interested in me it is an honour. I am proud, but my focus is on my work day-by-day,” he said, hinting towards the interest from Barcelona and Liverpool.

He then revealed that he intends to meet with the club owner soon to discuss his future and the possibility of leaving for a bigger club, although he is currently focused on Brighton’s objectives for the season.

“About the future, I will speak with the owner [Tony Bloom] and with the club because I want to compete in the best way I can. I want to understand the plan, and then it is not a problem to work in a big, big team or another big team.”

Finally, De Zerbi spoke about his ambitions as a manager and revealed that he wished to conquer all the major leagues and titles during his spell as a coach.

“I would like in my career to compete to win the Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, La Liga, Champions League but there isn’t a time when you have to go and compete, or to wait some more time.”